Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector's Practice Exam

What is a significant benefit of incorporating freeboard in flood hazard areas?

1. Increases construction complexity

2. Decreases property taxes

3. Increases resilience against flood damage

4. Decreases construction time

The correct answer is: Increases resilience against flood damage

Incorporating freeboard in flood hazard areas primarily benefits by significantly increasing resilience against flood damage. Freeboard refers to the height added to the base flood elevation (BFE) of structures, which provides an additional safety margin against flooding. By constructing buildings higher than the predicted flood levels, the chances of water entering the structure are reduced, thereby protecting the property and its contents from potential water damage during flood events. This practice is particularly crucial in regions prone to flooding, as it helps to mitigate the impact of storm surges and flash floods. Moreover, structures built with adequate freeboard often comply with local regulations and insurance requirements, potentially leading to lower flood insurance premiums over time. The focus on elevating structures rather than decreasing construction complexity, time, or property taxes highlights the strategic importance of freeboard in floodplain management and disaster preparedness strategies.